GOVERNMENT
2014-2015
John Ullrich
E-mail: /Conference Period: 2B
Tutorials: Mon., Wed. through Friday8:00 - 8:40 a.m. / 4:10- 4:30 p.m.
All-school tutorials Thursday
Course Description
The purpose of the course is to meet the political science requirement of the Texas core curriculum. Further it is the goal of the instructor that each student understands the political processes, structures and issues that are the foundations of American government and institutionalism. The objective of study in a core curriculum in political science is an understanding and evaluation of the nature of governments and the actions of people concerning government and public policy. Such study is intended to inform students so that they can understand politics and political systems and thus function as responsible and effective citizens in their community, state, and nation
Textbook
American Government (TexasEdition).William McClenaghan editor. Prentice Hall: Glenview, Illinois. 2003.
Expectations of Student Learning
All TEKS may be found at the TEA Web site:
Materials
Binder or notebook, whichever way you prefer to organize your notes
Blue and/or black ink pens
#2 pencils (for Scantrons)
Course Outline
Week1-People and Government
Week 2-Origins of American Government
Week 3-The Constitution
Week 4-The Federal System
Week 5-Constitutional Freedoms & Citizenship
Week 6-Law in America
2nd 6 weeksThree Branches of American Government
Weeks1-3-Legislative
Weeks 4-5-Executive
Week 6-Judicial
3rd 6 weeks Participation in government, Texas Government, Political systems
Weeks 1-2-Participation
Week3-4-Texas Government
Week 5-Political systems
Week 6- Review & Final
Grading Policy
a.Daily Work and Quizzes-Political Dictionary terms can be turned in to bring up anyquiz grade(30%)
b.Tests (70%): Retakes are an option.
Methods of Assessment
Classroom assessment will include formative (daily) and summative (unit), both of which are entirely based on the learning goals. Rubrics will be provided in advance so students are aware of what they need to do to succeed. Teacher, student, and sometimes peerFeedback will be provided in a timely manner so that they have the opportunity to continue working on achieving learning goals until success. In some cases, learning contracts will be developed with student-teacher-parent participation to target learning goals of particular concern.
Sign-Up for E-Alerts & Parent Connection (Gradespeed)
Being signed up for e-alerts will allow you to get an e-mail every time I updated my Web page for school wires. On my page, there will be a quick link to e-mail me, a tutorial schedule, major assignments, and an electronic copy of my syllabus. Depending on the unit, notes, extra credit, and minor assignments will also be posted.
In order to sign up for e-alerts, go to the Denton High School home page: .Under the Parent tab to the top, there is a drop down selection: E-Alerts. Follow the instructions to sign up for the e-alerts. You can sign up for every class your child is in.
Having access to Parent Connection and Gradespeed will allow you to not only monitor your child’s grades but also his/her attendance.
In order to sign up for Gradespeed, go to the Denton High School home page: . Under the Parent tab at the top, there is a link: Parent Connection. Follow the instructions to sign up for Gradespeed. All of your child’s classes should be available for you to view.
Classroom Rules
Platinum Rule: treat others as they wish to be treated (within the student code of conduct).
Be on time- no tardies
*Consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with DHS policies.
Procedures
- Important readings, assignments, and other information will be available at my website located on the DHS site.
- Daily quizzes are taken up 2 minuates after tady bell rings. Turn in political dictionary when you turn in quizzes
- Make up quizzes are in folder on my desk .
- Food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom. Water is acceptable.
- Electronic devices are not allowed in the classroom. DHS policy applies for infractions.
Learning Strategies
Denton high school is committed to focusing on using similarities and differences as a principal learn strategies used in most lessons.
Three-week Progress Reports
Three-week progress reports on the Wednesday and Thursday of the 4th week of each six weeks for students who are earning 75 and below.These progress reports include every assignment and the scores on each assignment, as well as an average to date. Gradespeed is updated regularlyas I strive to enter grades within a week of collecting them so that students and parents can regularly monitor progress.
The Denton Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and or national origins in its educational programs. Admission to career programs is based on age, grade, interest, aptitude and ability. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in any educational program.
GOVERNMENT
Denton High School 2012-2013
Mr. John Ullrich
.
Communicating with parents is very important to me because I want you to be informed about your child’s progress. E-mail is the most efficient way to reach me. I will try to answer your e-mails the same day I receive them.Feel free to e-mail me so that I have your contact information in my computer.However, please call or schedule a visit anytime if you prefer. Some concerns require more timely feedback that only a phone call or face-to-face meeting can provide.
Lastly, it would be helpful if you provide the following information, at your discretion, so that I may contact you in the most efficient manner about important matters.
Student name (printed): ______
Parent / Guardian 1 ______relationship to student: ______
How often do you check your e-mail? ______
E-mail: ______
Phone (local number): ______
Parent / Guardian 2 ______relationship to student: ______
How often do you check your e-mail? ______
E-mail: ______
Phone (local number): ______
Is there any other information you would like me to know to better serve your family? Please feel free to let me know if you already know certain teaching/learning strategies have been successful.
Parent Signature: ______
Date: ______
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